Laurie Montgomery once was honored as Linwood's Citizen of the Year.
Now the mother of three is accused of stealing more than $150,000 while treasurer of the Linwood Parent-Teacher Organization and Linwood Street Hockey Association, the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office announced.
Montgomery, 53, faces second- and third-degree charges of theft by failing to make the required disposition of property received.
One count is for between $500 and $74,999 and the other is for more than $75,000.
The investigation began in August 2021, when there were suspicions from the PTO that Montgomery was misappropriating funds and failing to maintain an accurate ledger for the financial records of the organization, according to the Prosecutor's Office.
Records show that Montgomery was replaced as treasurer the next year.
Montgomery withdrew money from the account for events wholly unrelated to organization events, according to the charges. She presented members of the board with a false balance sheet purportedly indicating there was more than $20,000 in the account when the actual bank statements showed less than $2,000 remained.
A review of bank statements from 2017 to 2021 showed Montgomery allegedly used more than $34,000 for herself.
During that investigation, detectives came across a check from the Linwood Street Hockey Association made out to Montgomery, who was also that organization's treasurer.
Further investigation into the Street Hockey Association found misappropriated funds there as well, according to the charges.
She allegedly made checks payable to the PTO and her family members, and used the account debit card to withdraw cash and make personal purchases in New Jersey and out of state.
The charges could carry a maximum of 10 years in prison if she is convicted.
If convicted, Montgomery faces up to 10 years in New Jersey state prison.
Montgomery was the city's park director when she was named Citizen of the Year in 2018.
She also worked as part-time as an instructional aide at Seaview Elementary School.
"I am so honored to be recognized by the city," she told The Current at the time." We live in a great town and I am happy to be a part of so many activities and organizations in Linwood.”
Montgomery was released on a summons.
